A special production of Uvda for Keshet Broadcasting (Channel 2- Israel)
2010. DVD. Color. Hebrew with English subtitles. 50 minutes.
Branko Weiss High School in Ramla, Israel is known as “Last Chance High.” The students have been kicked
out of multiple schools, have academic and behavioral challenges, and most work to support themselves and
their families. But the commitment of the staff is like a force of nature. The principal, Chili Tropper, was 29 when
he took the position. He had no experience teaching or as an administrator, and he admits he was not a good
student. He was appointed after the last principal, the fifth in six years, left after one day.
Although the students were considered “losers” previously, the expectation is that they will take bagrut
(matriculation examinations), and the teachers provide the support and tools to help them achieve that goal. Using
differentiated instruction, students can work at their own pace, draw pictures or sing songs to memorize history facts.
All of the teachers worked in different professions (restaurants, advertising) before coming to the school. The filming
took place over the school year, and the change in the students’ self-esteem and confidence is evident; for example, a
boy who could not sit still or behave at the beginning of the film is seen intently taking a test near the end.
The interviewer talks with teachers and students, both separately and together, and the mutual love and respect
between them is inspiring. Essential viewing for educators, the DVD is a strong optional purchase for all libraries.
Kathe Pinchuck, Clifton, NJ; Secretary, School Synagogue and Centers Division. AJL;
Past Chair, Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, AJL
A film by Ofra Tevet and Ronit Kerstner. Produced by Jens Meurer.
2009. Color in English and Hebrew. Subtitles. DVD. 90 minutes.
A chronicle of a deeply emotional journey begins with two men being interviewed, one talking about a trip
to Israel to meet the other. The viewer soon learns that the two are brothers, Fred Raymes (Manfred Mayer) and
Menachem (Heinz) Mayer, who survived the Holocaust. Their book, Are the Trees in Bloom over There: Thoughts
and Memories of Two Brothers (Yad Vashem, 2003) provided the impetus for the documentary. They converge on
their hometown, Hoffenheim, Germany, and trace the family’s journey.
On Kristallnacht, they were thrown out of their home and the synagogue was burned down. Two years later,
the Mayers were sent to the internment camp in Gurs, France and from there to an orphanage. After the war,
Menachem decided to go to Israel (Palestine at the time) and Fred chose to go to the United States. Separated by
distance, language, and a wish to forget the past, the brothers had nominal contact.
The children of Emil Hopp, the Nazi who forced the Mayers out of their home, are interviewed. One of them,
a successful businessman, sponsors a reunion of the entire extended Mayer family in Hoffenheim, which causes
mixed emotions among all concerned. The reunion is turned into a memorial ceremony for the Jews of the town,
as well as a celebration of the publication of the brothers’ book in German.
The shifts between present day Hoffenheim, narration of historical events and the brothers’ separate lives
and their children’s lives makes it a little hard to follow the story, but it also diffuses some of the strong emotion.
The production quality is good, and the subtitles follow the dialogue accurately. The film is highly recommended
for Holocaust collections, and a solid choice for all Jewish libraries and an excellent choice for a film series or
discussion group.
Kathe Pinchuck, Clifton, NJ; Secretary, School Synagogue and Centers Division. AJL;
Past Chair, Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, AJL